CLERMONT – To commemorate and honor those lost in the terrorist attacks of 2001, the City of Clermont will host its annual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony. The ceremony will be held Sunday, Sept. 11 at 2 p.m. at the Clermont Arts and Recreation Center, 3700 South Highway 27.
Clermont Police Chief Charles Broadway, a former New York City Police detective who responded to Ground Zero and assisted with search and recovery efforts, and Clermont Police Chaplain Mike Saxe, a retired New York City Police officer and 9/11 first responder, will lead the program with Clermont Fire Chief David Ezell.
“We can never forget the 343 firefighters, 60 police officers, eight emergency medical technicians and 55 military service members we lost that day 21 years ago, but we also need to understand that we continue to lose first responders everyday who succumb to infirmities developed from toxins we were all exposed to as we responded to the World Trade Center that day,” Chief Broadway said. “Those first responders ran into danger toward evil that day and did their part to save countless people. And that is what first responders do every single day.”
A very special message will be delivered by Jimmy Brown, a former New York City Police Officer and a medically trained New York City firefighter who survived 9/11. A retired United States Marine, he lives with his family in Central Florida and works with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Mr. Brown is trained in peer support, suicide prevention, crisis intervention, Critical Incident Stress Management and continues to advocate for the mental health of first responders. His shared experience is part of “Project Liberty” and the National Geographic documentary 9/11 Firehouse.
The Clermont Fire, Police and U.S. Naval Sea Cadets Corps honor guards, along with the City of Mount Dora Pipes and Drums, will present the colors. Memorial traditions including the ringing of a ceremonial fire bell, a 21-gun salute and playing of “Taps” will also be observed.
Outside, the Clermont Police Department 9/11 memorial vehicle will be on display and a giant American flag will fly high from the top of a Clermont Fire truck.
“Ceremonies like this allow us to honor the memory of our brothers and sisters who gave their lives and it ensures their legacy is always remembered, always honored and passed along to each new generation of first responders,” Chief Ezell said.
Sonny’s BBQ is sponsoring a reception immediately following the ceremony.
